Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 5) — More police officers are possibly involved in the ₱6.7-billion illegal drugs seized in Tondo, Manila in October 2022, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.
“I believe there are some other officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) involved here sa mga nakita kong ebidensiya (based on evidence we saw),” Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos told CNN Philippines’ The Source. “I promise you this, heads would roll here. I’ve got evidence against them.”
On March 16, authorities destroyed 990 kilograms of shabu, the local version of methamphetamine hydrochloride, confiscated from Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo during an operation in Tondo, Manila last year.
Mayo, the owner of the lending office where the illegal drugs were seized, was dismissed on March 21 for three counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
While he did not specify how many police officers are possibly involved in the illegal trade, Abalos said these are high-ranking officials.
The DILG chief said he expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the case, so he issued a memorandum on March 27 creating a special task force ordering the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to monitor and investigate police anomalies and irregularities.
Abalos added Alberto Bernardo, Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer, was also instructed to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into Mayo’ s case.
He said evidence so far collected is enough to file complaints, but authorities continue to collect statements that may be completed next week.
